In this section of the World of Reggae Music Collectionthe selector explores the influence and influences of Ub40. This particular edition focuses on the original reggae bands and musicians that UB40 covered. The boys from Birmingham, England made reggae music popular from the European continent to the backfields of north Texas. And more importantly it made inquisitive listeners follow the tracks back to their original performers. The first time many people heard “Johnny Too Bad” and “Cherry Oh Baby” was on the album Labour Of Love, the same album that featured the hit single “Red Red Wine.” Music fans around the world followed many of these tracks back to their Jamaican roots. In the stacks of records they found the amazing sounds of The Slickers, The Melodians, John Holt, Lord Creator, and Eric Donaldson. Ub40turned many of these delightful tracks into electric 80s pop music for the masses. Albeit “Red Red Wine” is a Neil Diamond song, Jamaican artists like Tony Tribe had already made “Red Red Wine” wicked reggae music. Here in this list are the original reggae tracks from which UB40 found inspiration. From the reggae legends like Bob Marley and The Wailersand Jimmy Cliffto the more obscure artists like Boy Friday and Ken Parker, Ub40 reintroduced some of the greatest 60s and 70s reggae tunes to the modern world.

LOVER’S ROCK

In this edition of the World of Reggae Music Collection the selector explores the sweet side of reggae music. Since the early origins of reggae music, love songs have formed an important part of the musical landscape. The sultry voices of Beres Hammond, Ken Boothe, and Dennis Brown alongside the falsetto voices of Courtney John and Bitty McLean bring real soul power to lover’s rock. And the reggae legends Gregory Isaacs, John Holt, Sugar Minott, and Freddie McGregor shined in this style.

Many legends of reggae, including Bob Marley & the Wailers and Jimmy Cliff have made some beautiful lover’s rock tunes, while some artists like Maxi Priest, Peter Hunningale, and Tarrus Riley have relied on the genre producing a plethora of lover’s selections. And there are some classic cuts here, including Tyrone Taylor’s “Cottage in Negril” and Terry Linen’s “No Time To Linger.”

Some artists surprise their audiences with softer sides, for example, roots reggae artist Alborosie and dancehall singjay Busy Signal have recorded sweet songs for the ladies. And there are many women, including Etana, Marcia Griffiths and Hortense Ellis, who have recorded lush reggae songs filled with love. From Alton Ellis to Sean Paul, love music has been an integral part of reggae.

In this edition of the World of Reggae Music Collection the selecta explores the reggae songs dedicated to the ganja. It is believed that the term ganja came from India and from the Indians who migrated to Jamaica. Many of the great reggae artists performed songs about the herb, some taking the tunes to another level playing ganja anthems. From Bob Marley & the Wailers’ “Kaya” to Barrington Levy’s “Under Mi Sensi” to Peter Tosh’s anthem “Legalize It” the weed is a constant theme in reggae music.

According to Rastafarians, collie herb grew on the grave of the wisest man in history, King Solomon. For this reason the herb is to be smoked as a sacrament. Often the smoke is referred to as wine to be partaken in communion. The water pipe is called the chalice or cup from which the smoker draws or sups from the cup. Furthermore the great collie herb aids in meditation. The World of Reggae Music Collection presents the finest tunes about sensi.